How To Fix SECAUDIT156 - Could not delete HMAC key with ident &1

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: SECAUDIT - Message class for security audit

• Message number: 156

• Message text: Could not delete HMAC key with ident &1

Self-Explanatory Message

Since SAP believes that this specific error message is 'self-explanatory,' no more information has been given.The majority of messages in the SAP system have a message text, however this is frequently insufficient to comprehend or resolve the problem.

To make things easier, more detailed information is frequently added to describe the issue, how to fix it, and the necessary steps or configuration modifications.

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message SECAUDIT156 - Could not delete HMAC key with ident &1 ?

  The SAP error message SECAUDIT156, which states "Could not delete HMAC key with ident &1," typically relates to issues with the deletion of HMAC (Hash-based Message Authentication Code) keys in the SAP system. This error can occur for various reasons, and understanding the cause and potential solutions is essential for resolving the issue.
  Causes:
  
  Key Not Found: The specified HMAC key identified by the identifier (&1) may not exist in the system.
  Authorization Issues: The user attempting to delete the key may not have the necessary authorizations to perform this action.
  Key in Use: The HMAC key might be in use by an active session or process, preventing its deletion.
  Database Issues: There could be underlying database issues or constraints that are preventing the deletion of the key.
  Configuration Errors: Incorrect configuration settings related to security or key management could lead to this error.
  
  Solutions:
  
  
  Verify Key Existence: Check if the HMAC key with the specified identifier actually exists in the system. You can do this by using transaction codes like SECU or SECAUDIT to view existing keys.
  
  
  Check Authorizations: Ensure that the user has the necessary authorizations to delete HMAC keys. This may involve checking roles and permissions in the user profile.
  
  
  Check for Active Sessions: Investigate if the HMAC key is currently in use. If it is, you may need to terminate the session or process that is using the key before attempting to delete it.
  
  
  Database Integrity: Run database consistency checks to ensure that there are no underlying issues that could be causing the deletion to fail. This may involve working with your database administrator.
  
  
  Review Configuration: Check the configuration settings related to security and key management in your SAP system. Ensure that they are set up correctly and that there are no conflicts.
  
  
  Consult SAP Notes: Look for relevant SAP Notes in the SAP Support Portal that may address this specific error. SAP frequently updates its knowledge base with solutions for known issues.
  
  
  Contact SAP Support: If the issue persists after trying the above solutions, consider reaching out to SAP Support for further assistance. Provide them with detailed information about the error and the steps you have already taken.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with transaction codes related to security and key management, such as SECU, SECAUDIT, and SU01 (for user management).
  SAP Security Documentation: Review SAP's official documentation on security and key management for best practices and troubleshooting tips.
  System Logs: Check system logs (transaction SM21) for any additional error messages or warnings that may provide more context about the issue.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the SECAUDIT156 error and implement an appropriate solution.